First-degree murder charge for drug dealer in connection with overdose death

An alleged Tulsa drug dealer, Taylor Rogers, 29, is being charged with first-degree murder after selling heroin to a 19-year-old Jillian Searle who overdosed a day later, Attorney General Mike Hunter announced at a press conference Tuesday.

“We hope the charge of first-degree murder sends a clear message to drug dealers, who sell poison to the men, women and children of Oklahoma,” Attorney General Hunter said. “We are coming after you to hold you accountable for the anguish and suffering you are causing Oklahomans. Though we cannot bring Jillian back, I hope her family feels some sense of relief. I applaud the efforts of the Tulsa Police Department, led by Chief Chuck Jordan for using the Safe Oklahoma Grant to pursue criminal drug dealers, gangs and other illicit enterprises. I am honored my office could play a role by providing these resources and making Tulsa and the state a safer place.”

According to the affidavit, Rogers admitted to investigators that he sold a gram of heroin to Searle 24-hours before her death.

“Dealing drugs in our community in any amount is never acceptable,” said Tulsa Police Chief Chuck Jordan. “With the help of the Safe Oklahoma Grant allowing us to put more boots on the ground, we are going to continue our successful mission to find these drug dealers and stop them. I appreciate Attorney General Hunter and the Tulsa County District Attorney’s Office for their partnership and dedication to prosecuting these criminals to the furthest extent of the law.”

The Tulsa Police Department, the Tulsa County District Attorney's office and Attorney General Mike Hunter said that they hope the first-degree murder charge will bring the family some kind of justice.